MORE than 55,000 drivers in Wales were breath tested during a high-profile drink drive campaign.

The motorists were tested by the four Welsh forces during the All-Wales Christmas drink drive campaign, which ran from December 1 2009, to New Year’s Day.

The number was up from 36,000 over the previous campaign.

The appeal was launched in Caernarfon by the Welsh forces and the Welsh Assembly Government, with the support of families affected by drink-drive incidents.

Across Wales, 637 people were arrested for failing a breath test and in North Wales of the 16,398 drivers breath tested, 131 arrests were made.

But despite the huge rise in stops, the number of drink drivers arrested was down on last year, with 142 arrests made.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Shannon said: “It is disappointing that drivers still put their own lives and other road users’ lives at risk, just to have a drink, with over 600 people caught over the drink-drive limit throughout Wales during the month-long campaign.

“We will continue to target drink-drivers throughout the year.

"Our enforcement is not seasonal. There has been public support for this approach, and together we can help make our roads safer for all.”

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones added: “We are determined to do everything we can to make the roads safer.

“However, we can not do this alone. We need the support of the public to be able to make a real impact. I urge everyone to play their part – drink-drive limits cannot be calculated and the only safe way is to not drink and drive.”